Avena Sativa

Botanical Name: Avena sativa
Common Name(s): Oats, Common Oats, Oatmeal
Part(s) Used: Seed, stem

Background

Avena sativa is a type of cereal grain which has been traditionally used to treat nervous exhaustion, insomnia, depression, dyspepsia, and gastroenteritis. A tea made from the oats is believed to be of benefit in rheumatic conditions and to treat water retention. In India, oats were historically used to help opium, morphine and cigarette addicts kick their habits, while, in Europe, the oat straw is used in several types of baths which, if done on a regular basis, have been effective in assisting treatment of numerous complaints.

Full bath: Gout, lumbago, and rheumatic problems
Sitz bath: Ailments associated with the bladder, abdomen, and intestines
Foot bath: Soothes tired feet
Local topical application: Ease discomfort related to frostbite, chilblains, skin wounds, eye problems, burns, and eczema

The straw left from the harvest of the grains is the herbal oat straw and comes from the same plant as the rolled oats found in breakfast cereals. The common oat used in herbal supplements and foods is derived from  the green or rapidly dried aerial parts of the plant which are harvested just before reaching full flower. Originally only found wild, oats are now a highly cultivated plant in several regions of the world. Some believe the idiom "sowing your wild oats" is based on the observation that stallions given wild oat experienced greater sex drives.

How it works

The fruits (seeds) contain alkaloids, such as gramine and avenine, as well as saponins, such as avenacosides A and B. The seeds are also  rich in body-building nutrients including silicon, manganese, zinc, calcium, phosphorus and Vitamins A, B1, B2 and E.  The straw is high in silica. Oats alkaloids are believed to account for a relaxing action. The beta-glucan found in oats may be helpful in lowering triglycerides.

 In cases of sexual problems related to stress and anxiety, Avena Sativa and its compounds work as nervine relaxants to ease tension and strengthen and support the nervous system and as a tonic to promote energy to handle the stress. This helps reduce over-excitability and facilitate sexual performance.

Possible Benefits

• Boosts fertility.
• Improves sexual performance.
• Relieves performance anxiety.
• Promotes energy.
• Strengthens the heart.
• Reduces craving for nicotine.
• Helps detoxification process.
• Good for urinary organs.
• Helpful for digestion.

 

Green Oat: A traditional remedy for mental health and cognitive function.

Preparations of the aerial parts of green oat have traditionally been used to support mental health and cognitive function since medieval times. Numerous sources praise the tonifying, stimulating, antidepressant and anxiolytic properties of Avena sativa. L. Hildegard von Bingen (1098-179), for example, the great medieval healer, reported that the herb contributes to a cheerful and sharp mind. The German Commission E monograph summarizes the use of green oat preparations as follows: acute and chronic anxiety, stress and excitatory states, in cases of nervous exhaustion and as a tonic and restorative. The herbal is considered safe and well tolerated in therapeutic dosages but activity against these indications has not been proved medically.

The bioassay screening revealed a clinically significant inhibitory effect on monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE 4), two enzymes closely connected to mental health and cognitive function for selected green oat varieties.

Dual Activity Profile

MAO B is responsible for metabolizing dopamine. The levels of this neurotransmitter in the brain are important for the regulation of mental and cognitive function. Inhibitors of MAO-B are used for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease. The inhibition of MAO-B is associated with stimulant, mood enhancing and potentially neuroprotective properties.

PDE 4, by contrast, is responsible for the degradation of the key second messenger cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate). cAMP is involved in intracellular signal transduction, such as transferring the effects of nerotransmitters such as noradrenaline. PDE 4 inhibitors increase cAMP levels in the brain, acting as signal enhancers. They are currently being investigated in clinical research for treating depression and serving as cognitive enhancers.

Considering this dual activity profile on MAO-B and PDE 4, tested green oat preparations can meditate a strengthening and balancing effect on the brain and mind. They can be used as preventative or supportive measure. Positively affecting both emotional and cognitive function, EFLA 955 Wild Green Oat Neuravena Special Extract is a product that offers highly attractive positioning possibilities. Acting as a cognitive enhancer, it can support memory performance and help improve concentration. Owing to its stimulating and energizing effect, it can help restore mental alertness and wakefulness in cases of chronic fatigue – without the negative effects of caffeine or ephedra. It can work as a mood balancer and nervine tonic, alleviating nervous irritability, exhaustion and mood changes. Finally, in generally improving the ability to work under pressure, it is supportive in cases of stress and burnout syndrome.